Trauma to the spine resulting from a car accident can lead to significant injuries, including herniated discs. A disc herniation in the neck or back can have long-term health issues for accident victims.
Back injuries are some of the most common types of injuries victims sustain in an accident. Medical and rehabilitative treatment for a herniated disc can be strenuous and time consuming, not to mention expensive.
If you have suffered a herniated disc in your neck or your back after a car accident caused by another driver, your first priority should be to seek medical treatment for your injuries. Once you have a good understanding of your injuries and prognosis, it might be a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who has experience representing back injury victims.
More About Herniated Discs
In our spinal cord, we have discs that act as cushions between the vertebral bodies. These discs minimize the impact of movement on the spinal column. Each disc is like a jelly donut, which a central softer component. When the central portion of a disc is ruptured, it’s referred to as the disc herniation.
The pain, discomfort and nerve damage that herniated disc victims suffer can make life miserable. No two herniated disc injuries are the same, and each person may experience a different level of discomfort and prognosis for recovery.
What Are Bulging Discs?
Before a disc herniates, it may be classified as a bulging disc. This happens when a weakened or deteriorated disc swells outside its normal jurisdiction. As the disc moves, the inner jelly-like structure balloons toward the weakest point in the hard outer casing.
Bulging discs may also place pressure on nearby nerves, which can lead to discomfort or severe pain. Generally, bulging discs develop over time. A car accident may cause a long-term injury that affects the spine and eventually causes a bulging disc.
Symptoms Of A Herniated Or Bulging Disc
The following are symptoms of herniated discs:
- Leg pain, sciatica, weakness in the toes, numbness: This is a signal of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine (lower back) area.
- Nerve pain in the chest/abdomen, difficulty walking or balance: This is a signal of a herniated disc in the thoracic spine (mid-back) area.
- Weakness in the shoulders, upper arms, and fingers: This is a signal of a herniated disc in the cervical spine (upper back) area.
The following are symptoms of bulging discs:
- Pain or tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands or fingers: This is a signal of a bulging disc in the cervical (upper spine) area.
- Pain in the upper back: This is a signal a thoracic (mid-spine) bulging disc.
- Muscle spasms in the lower back: This is a sign of a potential bulging disc in the lumbar (lower back) area. About 90 percent of all bulging discs occur in this area.
Medical Treatment for Herniated and Bulging Discs
Treatment for a bulging disc is generally minor. Conservative treatment is usually sufficient — over-the-counter medications, massage, ice/heat packs, physical therapy and lifestyle changes can often completely eliminate the pain. Herniated discs, however, have a different treatment plan.
Victims with a herniated disc may undergo surgery if conservative options did not work. Surgery to repair the disc and alleviate pressure on the nerves is one option. This comes with risks, such as infection and nerve damage.
While there are risks, not treatment a severely damaged disc could cause more long-term damage and other disc ruptures. Consult with a doctor to learn what treatment is best for you.
Contact Our Attorneys For Help With Your Herniated Disc Claim
Unfortunately, car accident victims with herniated and bulging discs often have trouble getting a fair back injury settlement from the insurance company. Proving their symptoms can be difficult, as pain and pressure do not show up on x-rays and CT scans.
Insurance adjusters will claim that you are exaggerating or making up your injury. This justification leads them to offering you a low-ball settlement. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you with your claim can make all the difference. An attorney will collect proof of your injury and demonstrate how that injury is affecting all aspects of your life.
We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no up-front costs and you owe nothing until we resolve your case. Hire the experienced car accident attorneys at Davis Law Group, P.S., today. For a free case evaluation, call (203) 727-4000, fill out the form on this page or use the chat feature below.
